The rise and decline of Islamic State - how the jihadi group has conquered and lost territory in Iraq and Syria

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Islamic State (Isil) has asserted itself as one of the world's most prominent terror groups since its beginnings in 2011, but it has suffered territorial losses over the last two years.

In January 2014, Isil captured the Syrian town of Raqqa and made it its de facto capital city. In June 2015, the group shocked the world when it seized Mosul, Iraq's second largest city.

The group emerged from Syria's ongoing civil war having fought alongside other rebel groups, including those with jihadist affiliations.

Their advance into Kobane put them on the doorstep of Turkey, but the group were met with strong resistance from Kurdish forces who prevented them from seizing the town.

Isil have also beheaded a number of hostages since August 2014, posting the videos online. The hostages include US journalist James Foley, British aid worker Alan Henning and Japanese journalist Kenji Goto.

Co-ordinated air strikes against Isil have been stepped up by Western powers following the Paris attacks in November 2015. Kurdish forces, backed by British and US warplanes, recaptured Sinjarinthe same month.